Londo: Quality products key to African markets

ILEMELA: THE government has pledged to remove unnecessary trade barriers and simplify investment procedures to help local industries produce competitive goods and expand into regional and global markets.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Mr Dennis Londo made the commitment yesterday while opening the 21st Mwanza East African Trade Fair (MEATF-2026) in Ilemela Municipality.

He said the private sector would play a central role in achieving the country’s industrialisation ambitions under Development Vision 2050.

“We recognise that industries cannot grow without markets, and markets cannot grow without competitive products,” Mr Londo said.

He said the government would continue improving the business environment by simplifying procedures for starting businesses, strengthening infrastructure and reducing the time investors spend in accessing services.

Mr Londo said greater emphasis would also be placed on adding value to locally produced goods and strengthening domestic markets to prepare businesses for growing regional competition.

He said building a onetrillion-US-dollar economy remained one of the major targets under Vision 2050 and urged businesses to seize opportunities created by a growing population and expanding markets.

“The current generation has the responsibility of implementing this vision because those born over the next 20 years will have limited opportunities to participate in its initial stages,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said the ministry had received directives from President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure Tanzanians become key participants in implementing the vision through increased production, investment and market expansion.

Tanzania National Chamber of Commerce (TNCC) President, Mr Vincent Minja warned that local businesses must improve product quality to compete effectively under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“A person who produces goods in Kenya will bring them to Tanzania without paying duty, while someone who produces goods in Morocco will bring them to Tanzania without paying duty,” Mr Minja said. He said the continental market would increase competition among African producers, making quality and competitiveness more important than ever.

“Without adequate preparation, we risk becoming buyers of products made by others instead of becoming major producers and sellers of our own goods,” Mr Minja said.

The annual trade fair brings together businesses, manufacturers and investors to showcase products, build partnerships and explore opportunities across East African markets.